The Race for an HIV Vaccine

Ruy Ribeiro    Los Alamos National Laboratory

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is responsible for one of the largest epidemics of modern history. Today 40 million people are infected worldwide and more than 3 million die every year. We urgently need a HIV vaccine. Why don’t we have a vaccine after 25 years of research? This Café will explore why this has proved such a challenge.

Follow-up Activities

Check out the follow-up activities aimed at learning more about some aspect of this topic. 

What if the Sun Stopped Shining?

Joyce Guzik    Los Alamos National Laboratory

We take for granted that the sun will rise and set each day to warm us and light our world. The sun’s shining appears to have been nearly constant during recorded history. The Earth’s weather, its seasons, and the movement of its oceans are dependent on the constant input of energy from the Sun. However, our experience suggests that nothing remains unchanging forever. Presumably there was a time when the Sun didn't exist, and there will be a time when it will stop shining. But how do we know anything about the sun? Come to a lively Café that will explore the many fascinating aspects of our own star.

Follow-up Activities

Check out the follow-up activities aimed at learning more about some aspect of this topic. 

What Sudden Shifts Loom in the Earth's
Climate and Ecosystems

The climate system is driven by interactions among the ocean, atmosphere, sea-ice, land ice, geosphere and biosphere. Changes in one component of the system have impact within that component and others in ways that are generally predictable up to a point or threshold. Beyond that threshold, the system could experience abrupt and irreversible changes with global impact. The problem is that we do not know the threshold or "point of no return" within the different system components. Some of the changes might have consequences that are well beyond what is expected from a simple greenhouse-induced global warming. Humans are releasing huge amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere, and this "greenhouse gas" is dramatically warming our planet. How much risk do we want to take concerning crossing these thresholds? For this special Cafe, that will bring together participants from all four towns, a panel of scientists with broad-ranging expertise will discuss the several critical processes that could trigger these thresholds.

Follow-up Activities

Check out the follow-up activities aimed at learning more about some aspect of this topic. 

Nanotechnology: Myth and Reality

Jennifer Hollingsworth     Los Alamos National Laboratory

“Nano”-sized materials are already in common use. Cosmetics, sunscreens, reflective paints, and wear-resistant coatings are “low-tech” examples of nanomaterials applications. Similarly, “hi-tech” applications include hard disk drives and silicon microelectronics. Nanoscience influences the “everyday” lives of average citizens and there there is a lot of hype surrounding this highly "multidisciplinary" field. In this Café, I will address some of the myths of nanoscience, as well as the reality of the scientific research that is being conducted.

Follow-up Activities

Check out the follow-up activities aimed at learning more about some aspect of this topic. 

Computers As We Don't Know Them

Christof Teuscher    Los Alamos National Laboratory

Half a century ago, computers were terribly heavy, noisy, slow, and unreliable. Thanks to an astounding progress in the miniaturization of electronics, your cell phone can now do more calculations per second than early supercomputers. What will computers look like in 20 years? How and where will they be used? Will computers be implanted in your body? Will computers allow you to expand your brain power? This Café will explore the fast and fascinating advancement of computers, illustrate novel computing machines, and muse about the future.